The Impact of You(10)
Author: Kendall Ryan

“Gee thanks. Why don’t you just admit you think I’m a loser with no life and get on with it.”

“I didn’t say loser. Lost…probably. Not having as much fun as you should be…definitely.”

“Rip the Band-Aid off, why don’t you.”

Jase settles back against his seat, sliding his cup of coffee toward him in the process. “Just calling it like I see it, babe.”

He’s too relaxed, too smug. I want to lash out and say something to wipe that cocky smile from his face. Instead, I pull a deep breath and reflect on his observation of me. I’m sitting stick-straight in my seat, my stack of textbooks neatly lined up in front of me. And each time Jase has seen me – first at the party, then behind the dumpster – I’ve been hiding. I wish I could tell him those were isolated incidents, that I’m not really like that, but sadly I am. I realize with a flash of clarity, Jase is right. And suddenly I want more.

I lean toward him on my elbows, weighing his offer. “So how would this life-coaching work exactly…I’m not saying I’m interested, but if I was…”

“We’d need to begin spending more time together for starters.”

I nod, listening intently. I’m thankful he doesn’t know my heart just kicked into overdrive at his words. “What else?”

Jase abandons his casual posture, leaning in towards me across the table, his brilliant blue eyes piercing mine with intensity. “I’ll issue you challenges as I see fit. You’d have to trust me.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “I’m not running through campus naked or dropping acid or anything weird like that.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to do anything you’re not ready for.” His voice is calm and sure.

I can’t believe I’m considering this, but I am. “Why would you want to do all this…I’m not a project.”

“I didn’t say you were. Let’s just say I could use the distraction right now.”

I know my expression gives me away. I’m beyond confused about what’s happening between us and powerless to stop it.

He brushes his index finger over the crease in my forehead. “Hey, relax.” His voice is just a whisper. “You’re thinking too hard. I’m not going to pry about your past unless you want me to.”

I shake my head, my heart thumping wildly.

Jase’s thumb caresses my cheek before he lets his hand fall away. “You’ll let me know if there’s someone’s ass I should kick, though, right?”

I would giggle at this, if not for the intensity radiating from Jase. “No. I made my own choices.”

He’s silent while he studies me – his blue eyes looking for answers. Answers I can’t possibly give him.

“You were young, too trusting, fell for the wrong guy…”

I clear my throat. “Something like that.”

He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Hey, it’s okay.”

I manage a nod, arranging my mouth in a smile. If he knew the truth, he wouldn’t be sitting here, being so kind to me. My heart is thudding against my ribcage. “This tutoring thing…When do we start?”

He glances at his naked wrist. “Now would be nice.”

I roll my eyes to avoid chuckling at him. “Fine. What’s my first assignment?”

Chapter 7

Jase

Avery is unlike any girl I’ve hung around before. She keeps me in a constant state of curiosity and mild arousal. It’s an interesting combination – both my brain and my dick are engaged, which is something new for me. I can easily see this becoming addicting. I want to challenge her to kiss me, but I know she won’t. I can’t push her that fast. We’ll have to work up to that. But I know if she let me touch her, I could own her. Christ, that’s a tempting thought. I never felt a possessive spark with Stacia, but something about Avery makes me want to possess her in a way I never have before.

“I’ll go easy on you your first time.” I pause, keeping my eyes on hers, to let my deeper meaning set in. She blushes, right on cue. “Come to my party this weekend.”

“That’s it?”

I nod, still holding her eyes.

She bites her lip, thinking about it. “You know I’m not really into the party scene.”

“I know. But it’s kind of an annual party and the guys will freak if I’m not there. Having you there will actually help me. And we’ll hang out, talk, like last time. Getting outside your comfort zone might be good for you.”

She considers it, still chewing on her bottom lip. “How would me being there help you?”

I fight off a smile. Clearly she has no clue about the theme of Delta Sig’s next party. “Oh, it will, don’t worry.”

“I suppose I could. I’m sure Madison and Noah wouldn’t mind coming too.”

“Of course. Bring your friends.” With my next meeting with her already secured, I feel at ease. Avery has me smiling more than I have since my mom’s suicide attempt. Thank f**k for that. I was like a walking zombie for a while there. “Should we discuss our journaling assignment from class?”

“Sure.” She shrugs and pulls out her syllabus.

My ploy to get her to open up her journal – the one where she wrote a freaking novel about me – is foiled. It remains safely tucked inside her bag.

She slides the sheet of paper toward me and points. “We have to write entries on our own body image, what attracts us in the opposite sex, and an entry on sexual preferences and orgasms.” Her eyes dart up to mine and she drags her teeth across her bottom lip.

Fuuuck, that’s sexy.

Avery stuffs the paper back into her bag, muttering to herself, “A section on orgasms — that’ll be a short chapter…”

Holy shit. “What?” I can’t help but react. Has no one touched this beautiful girl? Sign me up. Right f**king now.

Her head snaps up. “I’m just going to shut up now.”

“That’s probably wise.” Otherwise I can’t be held responsible for bringing her to orgasm myself. Under the table. Immediately.

Avery collapses, burying her face in her hands.

I can’t resist reaching over to rub her back between her shoulder blades. “Hey, it’s okay. If you need tutoring in the bedroom too, babe, just ask.”

Avery lets out a groan, and I can’t be sure, but I think a string of curse words too. Once her tirade is out of her system, she takes a deep breath and sits up straight. Her expression is still pinched, like she can’t believe she told me that.